Blenheim is drastically cutting the movement of heavy goods vehicles around the palace by opening a purpose-built transport hub.
The new area, which is located at Park Farm, will allow deliveries to be received and stored centrally, then distributed across the Estate by Blenheim vehicles.
It is hoped the lower traffic levels will not only improve the visitor experience but also benefit the environment and reduce potential damage to the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
As part of its design, the hub will feature solar panels and electric vehicle charging points.
“By centralising deliveries to this one area we’re significantly reducing vehicular movements around the Estate,” said Rachel Brodie, Rural Manager.
“One of the key benefits of this will be an improved and safer environment for our visitors and staff. Our new vehicles will also help to minimise the likelihood of damage from large vehicles to the Palace and other historic buildings.
“The new hub provides significantly improved storage facilities for all our teams and will free up space within the existing fabric of the Palace.
“As well as benefitting visitors and staff inside the World Heritage Site, the reduction in HGV traffic and delivery vehicles will lessen the impact on neighbouring communities, particularly through the middle of Woodstock. We are also erecting clear new signposted routes which take the vehicles away from main areas of traffic, and creating new off-road queuing areas for lorries,” she added.
Delivery lorries will gain access to the new hub via Goral Doors near Park Farm to the North of the Park. The route to this entrance avoids the town centre and will, therefore, reduce HGV traffic in the centre of Woodstock.
The central hub is part of a series of environmental initiatives by Blenheim as part of their wider goal to become a net generator of green energy by 2027.
Others include a new fleet of electric vehicles, investment in clean energy like solar PV, hydropower and biomass boilers as well as 100% renewable power across the entire Estate.
Blenheim is also taking steps to reduce its carbon footprint by separating all their waste on-site.
